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Eastern Michigan Football: Preview, predictions for 2019 season

By Dante Pryor

MONTGOMERY, AL - DECEMBER 15: Mike Glass III #9 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles throws the ball during the first half of the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Cramton Bowl on December 15, 2018 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
MONTGOMERY, AL - DECEMBER 15: Mike Glass III #9 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles throws the ball during the first half of the Raycom Media Camellia Bowl against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Cramton Bowl on December 15, 2018 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Can former Wabash College head coach Chris Creighton continue building Eastern Michigan football into a powerhouse in the MAC West?

Eastern Michigan head coach Chris Creighton has definitely paid his dues as a football coach. He’s gone from NAIA (Ottawa), to Division III (Wabash College — my alma mater), to FCS (Drake) and now the Group of Five.

The brass in Ypsilanti, Mich., have given him the most important thing he’s needed there: time. He’s taken the Eagles from three wins his first two seasons to two bowl games in three years.

Can he continue to build the program?

Previewing the offense

The Eagles were good, but not dynamic on offense last season. With the graduation of Iowa transfer Tyler Wiegers, redshirt senior Mike Glass III seems to be the frontrunner to start at quarterback this season.

Fortunately for Glass and the Eagles, he’s seen significant action, throwing for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns last season and playing in their bowl game.

The offense averaged a modest 27 points per game, and scored over 30 points only twice (once against a non-major school). Five of the Eagles’ six loses were by seven points or less. A more dynamic offense could increase their margin, and fewer close games. There is hope for a more potent offense this season.

First, they return seven of their top eight pass-catchers from last season. One thing Creighton loves is a quarterback with wheels, and Glass can run. It will more than likely be running back by committee, with fifth-year senior Shaq Vann getting most of the carries.

If they can replace the interior of their offensive line they have an opportunity to have good balance on offense.

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